Limited venous access and pacemaker insertion in a haemodialysis patient: case report.

Abstract The population of haemodialysis patients is increasing as is their age. There is a higher risk of cardiac comorbidities in these patients. Pacing is increasingly common in this group. We present a case highlighting the difficult issues and exemplifies the need for careful planning preprocedure. Haemodialysis patients often have difficult and limited vascular access. Insertion of pacing leads is associated with subclavian vein stenosis. If this is on the side of an AV fistula there is significant risk of losing the fistula with obvious consequences to the patient. Careful consideration of site and route of access needs to be made prior to pacing. The need for involvement of renal and vascular teams before starting the procedure is essential as it is paramount that the best route of access for pacing wires is selected.